Parts for your 2017 Nissan Navara-Rack boots

Rack boots for the 2017 Nissan Navara (D23)

Technical sources confirm the 2017 Nissan Navara (D23/NP300) uses a rack-and-pinion steering gear fitted with rack boots (also called steering gear boots or gaiters). The Nissan D23 Service Manual (Steering section) diagrams the rack with bellows-type boots on both ends, the Nissan FAST electronic parts catalogue lists “boot–steering gear” for D23, and major aftermarket catalogues for Australia and New Zealand also specify direct-fit rack boots for this model. So rack boots are absolutely relevant and used on the 2017 Navara.

On a Navara ute that sees daily duty and the odd gravel road or worksite, the rack boots quietly do an important job. These flexible bellows seal the open ends of the steering rack, letting the inner tie rods move while keeping out water, mud, dust and grit. They also help retain the grease around the inner tie rod ball joints, and on hydraulic-assisted racks they can reveal fluid leakage if a rack seal starts to fail. When a boot splits, contamination gets in and grease gets out, which can quickly chew out the rack bar or inner tie rod and lead to heavy or notchy steering, knocks over bumps, and a fail at WOF/regos.

Best practice for a 2017 Navara is to have the rack boots inspected at every service interval (or at least every 10–20,000 kilometres), and after heavy off‑road use or deep water crossings. Look for cracks in the concertina folds, oil mist or wetness inside the boot, loose or missing clamps, or thrown grease. If one side is perished, it’s smart to replace both boots as a pair. Choose quality OE‑style EPDM boots and use proper stainless or ear clamps rather than cable ties, so the seal holds up to heat and road spray.

Replacement is a straightforward workshop job, but any time the outer tie rod is disturbed there’s a good chance the toe setting will shift, so a wheel alignment is recommended after fitting new boots. If a boot contains power steering fluid, that points to an internal rack seal issue—fit new boots to protect things short‑term, but plan a rack repair or replacement to stop the leak. For long life, keep the steering gear clean, avoid pressure‑washing directly at the boots, and address small cracks before they become splits that let in red dust or salt spray.

• Common signs: cracks in the bellows, grease flung onto the inner guard, damp/oily boot, steering knock or stiffness.
• Typical workshop time: about 0.5–1.0 hour per side, plus alignment.
• Good to know: frequent corrugations and UV exposure age boots faster on Aussie and Kiwi roads.

Popular questions about 2017 Nissan Navara rack boots

How can someone tell if the rack boots on a 2017 Navara need replacing?
They’ll usually spot fine cracks in the folds, grease splashed on nearby components, or a boot that feels hard and brittle instead of rubbery. If there’s oil inside the boot, that’s a red flag for a power steering rack seal leak. Any split or loose clamp is a cue to replace the boot before grit gets in and wears the rack.

How often should the rack boots be checked on a Navara?
Have them inspected at every routine service (around 10–20,000 km) and after off‑road trips, deep water, or extended corrugated-road driving. The boots live low and cop heat, spray and UV, so early checks catch small cracks before they become costly rack damage.

Will a wheel alignment be needed after replacing a rack boot?
Usually yes. Even when the tie rod end is marked and refitted carefully, toe settings can shift slightly. A quick alignment after the job protects tyres and ensures the Navara tracks straight.